News from Colorado to Share
Written the morning of November 8, 2003:

Ellie Rae Grace Weien is one month old today!(November 8th) WOW! Really doesn't seem like that precious little girl can be that OLD! Ellie is doing well. Emma is adjusting to her new role as Big Sister and will probably enjoy Ellie much more when she can do more things...like dress up like a Princess!!

Jake and Abbie are busy being very caring parents. Fortunately, Abbie doesn't have to return to teaching until the Christmas break is over, so she will be home for a couple more months. I'm sure the next two will fly bye as quickly as this first one has.

The cycle of life is so interesting as I reflect on Ellie's one month birthday and the fact that tomorrow, November 9th, marks the one year anniversary of My Dear Mother, Mildred's death. That doesn't seem possible either, although, this has been one very busy year. Truly a year of many transitions physically, mentally, and emotionally. Approaching the Thanksgiving Day Holiday, which is the gateway to the Christmas Season, reflection seems to be very appropriate for me. Along with the sad times and frustrating times, the times of thanksfulness certainly out number all of the others. This year has given us many blessing as does each day give us many blessings. We have all been touched by all of you with your out pour of love and prayers especially for Zach but for all of us!

My wish for all of you is to start each day with just 5 or 10 things that you are thankful for....great way to start the day...all of us can list many more but sometimes we don't feel like we have that much time in the beginning of our day. Tell each of those family members that you see first thing in the morning how much you love them, hug them, enjoy their presence....for some morning they will not be physically there to hug...and then you can remember all of the wonderful hugs you did share.

The Colorado Weien Crew is getting ready for our move back to the Big City...Colorado Springs to Zach and Kristi's home. Kristi has the nursery painted. Kristi has also been painting Caleb's crib and only has one more piece to complete. Since the days are colder now, the crib painting project has moved from the garage to the livingroom and Zach is really enjoying watching Kristi work her artistic magic. It will really be cute. It is all white with the spool rings painted in primary colors...very bright and cheerful. The nursery is done in primary colors with the walls of yellow and green and a border of jungle frogs. Kristi's Mom, Debbie, went home to Texas with her sewing project of jungle frog fabric for the crib skirt, bumper pads, etc.

We have all been working on projects at the house so things will be in order when we move Zach in and when Caleb arrives. Last week we accomplished all of the upstairs carpets being cleaned, as well as all of the carpeting from the basement being torn out. We will be getting everything back in place now that the carpet is dry. We are also making a few changes in the kitchen, moving the refrigerator and a few shelves, nothing major.

Our targeted move date is Monday, November 17th. We had hoped to stay with the same Hospice group but they are having some challenges with being short of staff and will have to refer us to Pikes Peak Hospice in the Springs. We will really miss all of the wonderful people who have helped us so very much since August 12th. But I am sure that there will be another group of fabulous individuals who will give us tremenduous assistance in caring for Zach through this new agency. We will be getting the final information early next week and will know for sure if our targeted date will work for the transition as well as all of Zach's hospital equipment to be delivered, etc.

Just a reminder for those of you who might have misplaced Zach and Kristi's address and phone number:
6872 Sullivan Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
home phone 719-392-1181
Ron's cell phone 719-648-9049
Maggie's cell phone 719-649-8848

Our email will should remain the same although there might be a few days that we are not all set back up...so be patient...we will return to this wonderful electronic messaging system.

Hoping this update finds all of you healthy and happy. For those of you who might be wondering, of course, Maggie is the author of this message...but sending Hugs from Ron, Kristi, and Zach, also.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2003!